Permanent treatment for trichiasis

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Trichiasis refers to the condition where eyelashes grow inward towards the eyeball, and generally, there are two types. One type is caused by the inward turning of the eyelid, known as entropion. The treatment for this type of trichiasis involves correcting the entropion, which can be achieved through corrective surgery for entropion, thereby treating the trichiasis. The other type is simply the inward growth of the eyelashes themselves. This type of trichiasis can be treated with electrolysis, where an electric needle is used to destroy the hair follicles. Once the follicles are destroyed, the eyelashes will no longer regrow, effectively curing the condition.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can vision affected by trichiasis be restored?

If trichiasis affects vision, it indicates that the abrasion of the cornea by the eyelashes has reached a certain degree, and active treatment is necessary. The main goal of the treatment is to prevent the future formation of corneal haze, spotted haze, or leukoma, which can severely impact vision. With active treatment, these conditions generally do not develop, so although trichiasis is a minor condition, if not treated actively, it can lead to serious complications. The primary treatments for trichiasis involve the use of eye drops, such as levofloxacin eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. If the number of misdirected lashes is small, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be performed. If there are many, surgical treatment may be necessary to correct the inward turning of the eyelid. With active treatment, complete recovery is generally possible. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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Can trichiasis be treated without surgery?

Whether surgery is needed for inverted eyelashes depends on the specific situation. If it is just one or a few eyelashes irritating the eyeball and the symptoms are not significant, you can choose the local electrolysis method to destroy the hair follicles of these eyelashes, preventing their regrowth. This will not affect the appearance and can fundamentally solve the problem. However, if there are a large number of inverted eyelashes causing significant irritation to the eyeball, surgery is recommended for correction. Without surgery, long-term irritation from the eyelashes could cause irreversible damage to the eye, such as scarring or ulcers on the cornea, which could eventually affect vision. Some patients might intermittently pull out the eyelashes, but this is not advisable, as the eyelashes will grow back.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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What will happen if trichiasis is not treated?

If trichiasis is not treated and allowed to progress, it can cause damage to the conjunctiva and the cornea. Particularly, corneal damage can lead to keratitis and corneal neovascularization, severely affecting vision and the transparency of the cornea. During treatment, if scarring occurs, such as thin corneal opacities, plaques, or leukomas, it can severely affect vision, and even lead to blindness. Therefore, while trichiasis itself is not severe, not treating it can lead to serious consequences. Currently, the main treatments for trichiasis include electrolysis of the eyelashes and surgical treatment, along with the use of eye drops, which generally results in a quick recovery.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Is it normal to have one or two inverted eyelashes?

Having one or two eyelashes growing inwards is abnormal. Normally, eyelashes should not rub against the conjunctiva and cornea. If this occurs, do not pluck the eyelashes. Electrolysis surgery can be performed on the eyelashes, and after the surgery, the inturned lashes will not grow back, thus they will no longer affect the conjunctiva and cornea. If inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea occurs, anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as levofloxacin, and sodium hyaluronate eye drops, which protect the corneal epithelium, can be used for effective treatment. Generally, these issues are not serious and do not affect vision. However, if vision is impacted, further examination and treatment should be sought from an ophthalmologist.

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Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
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Can people with trichiasis exercise?

Do you mean that it involves usual activities such as running or other sports? Trichiasis primarily results from the poor positioning of eyelashes, which touch the cornea, mainly damaging the corneal epithelium. Treatment can be based on the extent of trichiasis. If there are many inverted eyelashes, a correction surgery for trichiasis can be performed. If there are fewer, plucking them is possible, and corneal nutrients can be administered, such as Hailu eye drops and the antibiotic eye drops ofloxacin. It does not affect normal activities and sports in general. I am not sure if this answers your question; this is a general description of the condition of trichiasis.